Counseling Program Overview
The Counseling Program at IU Southeast offers a Master's Degree in Education as a School Counseling Major. Completion of the Program allows Candidates to work in Indiana or Kentucky as a school counselor, at any K – 12 school. Upon completion of the Program, all Candidates must apply for the appropriate license through the Student Services Office of the School of Education (812/941.2386).

NOTE: more than 40 states do NOT require a teaching certification to be a school counselor, including IN and KY. However, JCPS requires a teaching certification and 3 years certified classroom teaching experience OR prior experience working as a school counselor. Please contact JCPS directly with questions regarding their specific policies. Candidates should check the website of the American School Counselor Association (www.schoolcounselor.org) to determine certification requirements for other states. 

There is 1 Degree Option for the Master's in Education as a School Counseling Major. The degree is a 48 hour masters program, which includes 2 application processes. 

It is possible that some Candidates may have completed courses in a previous Master’s program; these courses may count towards some of the 48 credits needed for the IU Southeast School Counseling Master's. This is decided on a case-by-case basis when the Candidate submits an application, all transcripts, and necessary fees. The Program Coordinator will review the application and the transcripts; each Candidate is notified of courses they will receive credit for and the exact number of courses they will need to complete at IU Southeast in order to meet all requirements for the Master's of Science in Education as a School Counseling Major (i.e., the School Counseling Master's Degree). 

Completing the School Counseling program does NOT qualify candidates for the Indiana or Kentucky Mental Health Counseling License. This type of license is necessary in order to work in a mental health counseling position (e.g. community mental health agency, private practice, etc). 

This is an exciting time to be a School Counselor. We believe that School Counselors can make a crucial difference in helping all students have a successful school career. 

"School Counselors work with all students, school staff, families and members of the community as an integral part of the education program. School counseling programs promote school success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy, and social/emotional and career development." (American School Counseling Association) 

"School Counselors have skills in leadership, advocacy, teaming and collaboration, counseling and coordination, and assessment and use of data for individual and systemic change." (Education Trust Transforming School Counseling Initiative)